Jean-Marie Roland de la Platiere

Jean-Marie Roland de la Platiere (18 February 1734-15 November 1793) was Minister of the Interior of the Kingdom of the French in 1792, a leader of the Girondins, and the husband of Madame Roland. He committed suicide after his wife was executed during the Reign of Terror.

Biography
Jean-Marie Roland de la Platiere was born in Thizy, France on 18 February 1734, and he decided to study manufacturing in Lyon. He became lead inspector of Picardy after working for his cousin, and he became a supporter of the liberal cause during the French Revolution. In 1791, Roland and his wife Madame Roland moved to Paris, and his wife would open salons and become known as an orator. On 23 March 1792, he became Minister of the Interior of the Kingdom of the French under the Girondins, and he was dismissed after being disrespectful towards King Louis XVI of France when King Louis vetoed decrees against the French emigres and non-juring clergy. After 10 August, he once more became Minister of the Interior, only to resign on 23 January 1793, two days after the execution of the king. During the Reign of Terror, the Girondins were persecuted by The Mountain faction of the Jacobin Club, and Roland fled to Rouen in November 1793 after his wife was executed. When he discovered that she had been guillotined, he leaned against a tree and ran himself through with a cane sword.